Wireless keyboard/mouse and security

[Guest]

Hi, I am thinking about buying a wireless keyboard/mouse bundle, but I am not sure how secure they are. I have a couple of questions, so hopefully you can help me out.

First off, how do the keyboard and mouse connect to the receiver? Is there a password that you can set before accepting the devices? If not, how does this stop a neighbour or someone nearby with a wireless keyboard or mouse connecting to your own receiver? Or what about your own keyboard being picked up by your neighbour's receiver?

The bundles I am thinking of buying are Logitech MK270 and Microsoft Wireless 800. Both have 128-bit encryption, although I don't really know what that actually means.

Thanks.

 

[ssddx]

Hi, I am thinking about buying a wireless keyboard/mouse bundle, but I am not sure how secure they are. I have a couple of questions, so hopefully you can help me out.

First off, how do the keyboard and mouse connect to the receiver? 2.4ghz wireless broadcast signal Is there a password that you can set before accepting the devices? logitech devices with the unifying receiver come already paired with the receiver. my mother has the same mouse as i do and no it will not work with my receiver. the older style logitechs (with mouse cradle) have a button on the bottom for manual pairing with the receiver. once paired they also wouldnt recognize any other signals. If not, how does this stop a neighbour or someone nearby with a wireless keyboard or mouse connecting to your own receiver? unique id #s for the products. very low chance if any of them being the same.. depending on how many numbers logitech assigns that is... Or what about your own keyboard being picked up by your neighbour's receiver? typically the range is also about 10ft so you are out of range unless you're bunk bed buddies. also what i said about unique ids

The bundles I am thinking of buying are Logitech MK270 logitech typically has pretty good wireless products and is normally a good choice. and Microsoft Wireless 800 not familiar with this one myself. Both have 128-bit encryption, although I don't really know what that actually means.this means that the signals are sent in a cryptographic algorithm (such as a cipher). basically the two devices speak in a computer generated code so they arent easily able to be decyphered without being on the two devices themselves. this is pretty much industry standard by now.





as long as the unique ids are different (which they should be) there will not be any interference. the signal is also secured which means even if it was intercepted its not easy to decypher. the range is also limited.

if you're doing some ultra secret government research... its probably best to stick to wired... but for all of us normal people out there its fine to use unless you're super paranoid about aliens stealing your cookie recipies.....

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the reply ssddx, very informative!

For the situation I ended up using a wired keyboard and mouse I already had. At first I couldn't figure out a good way to connect them without making my set up messy. But now it is good enough. I might still go wireless if I want more convenience/clutter, but for now it's fine.